Scots fracking ban puts opinion before fact, say academics

Ministers have pointed to a public consultation in which 99 per cent of the public were against frackingGetty Images

Academics have criticised the SNP for announcing a ban on fracking that they say is not justified by scientific evidence.

Ministers have pointed to a public consultation in which 99 per cent were against allowing the technique in justifying a move to make permanent a moratorium on unconventional oil and gas extraction.

Industry leaders accused the government of ignoring its own scientific research, which found that fracking could be carried out safely if properly regulated, and breaking a pledge to take an “evidenced-based” decision.

Robert Westaway, a senior research fellow at the University of Glasgow’s school of engineering, described the decision as appalling. “It is wrong in principle and puts public opinion ahead of factual evidence in a way that is not good for the…